Buyer/Planner

Core Molding Technologies, Inc.•Winona, MN

1d•$60,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Core Molding Technologies is seeking a Buyer/Planner to ensure the timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of materials that support manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for production planning, inventory management, supplier coordination, and purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels and supply chain performance. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Suppliers, the Buyer/Planner plays a key role in maintaining material availability, improving supplier performance, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent purchasing/planning experience
3+ years of purchasing, planning, materials management, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
Experience using ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and production planning
Strong Microsoft Excel skills
Knowledge of inventory management principles including MRP, Kanban, EOQ, cycle counting, and inventory control
Experience working with suppliers, purchase orders, and production schedules
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in automotive, composites, plastics, or industrial manufacturing
Experience supporting APQP, PPAP, or engineering change processes
Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification
Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

Plan and procure raw materials and production components based on MRP, production schedules, and inventory targets
Create and manage purchase orders while maintaining strong supplier relationships
Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness
Negotiate pricing, lead times, and purchasing terms to achieve cost and service objectives
Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory
Monitor inventory accuracy through cycle counts, reconciliations, and inventory analysis
Support engineering changes, new product launches, supplier PPAP activities, and quality initiatives
Manage supplier and part master data within the ERP/MRP system
Identify and resolve material shortages, delivery issues, and inventory discrepancies
Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Shipping, and Receiving to ensure uninterrupted operations
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management, purchasing processes, and supply chain performance
Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards